Many households now have one or more computers making home networking an option that didn’t exist in the days of a single, shared PC. Now, children have their own computers and the adults may also have individual computers or laptops. While it may make sense to give the kids the old PC after you’ve upgraded to a new one, it doesn’t always make sense to buy individual printers or install cable jacks or extra phone jacks for each PC. Instead, you can share files, peripherals such as printers, and even an internet connection when you set up a home network. You don’t need to be a pro either. Home networking can be a do-it-yourself job.

Types of Home Networks

The two main types of home networks are wired and wireless. Both require their own type of hardware and equipment. Wired home networking can involve extensive cabling if your home isn’t already pre-wired for computers. Wireless home networking is preferred, especially if you use laptop computers or have computers located throughout the home.

Another type of network involves connecting your television and stereo system to the computer network. Imagine listening to streaming internet radio powered by your wireless computer? If you have an unlimited music subscription, you can use your computer to connect to the latest albums and listen to them over your stereo system! Goodbye CDs.

Home Networking Equipment

The first thing you need to do when setting up your network is invest in the right equipment.

Your computers will need to be able to connect to the network. For cabled networks, your computers all need Ethernet ports or cards. Most modern computers have built in ports.

They look like oversized phone jacks. If your computer doesn’t have a port, you will need a network adapter card so you can connect to other computers. 100baseT is significantly faster than 10baseT. Go for a 100baseT network adapter if given the choice. You’ll need to physically open the computer and install the card. This is easy but care must be taken to avoid damage-causing static. Make sure to completely disconnect your computer, unplug the power, and take off all metal jewelry.

Wireless networks require that all computers have a WiFi card or built-in WiFi capabilities. If your computer doesn’t have one, you can buy a wireless network adapter card and install it in your PC if you have a free slot in the computer case. For laptops, wireless PCI cards are available. Simply insert into an available PCI slot. When using a laptop with built-in WiFi, double check to see if the WiFi has an on/off switch.

WiFi technology is changing rapidly; you will see various WiFi standards. When purchasing your wireless home networking equipment, it’s important that all computers and wireless routers have compatible WiFi standards. In addition, the WiFi could interfere with other technologies in your home including cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices and security cameras.

Next, you will need a hub or router. If you’re simply connecting two PCs in the same room, a simple hub, two network cards, appropriate cabling and home networking software are all you need.

Depending on your operating system, you may not even need the software. For example, in Windows Vista, you can go into the Control Panel and select the Network and Sharing Center. From here, a variety of wizards will help you with home networking.

If you want to share your high speed internet access, choose a router instead. This way, you can connect your cable modem directly into the router and share broadband access across the network without having to create gateways or proxies. When doing this, follow all instructions included with your router exactly. It’s easy to accidentally connect cables into the wrong port.

Before you buy a router, check with your internet provider to see if they have any specific requirements or brands that work with their service. In addition, you may need their assistance in setting up the shared internet access.

Wireless home networking is a bit trickier because of security issues. You don’t want your neighbors to hijack your network do you? First, you will need a wireless router. This router wirelessly connects all of your WiFi computers to the home network. Because security is a major concern, you must make sure security is enabled. Use the included home networking software to set up your network and then go in and turn on encryption. WPA and WPA2 are more secure encryption types than WEP. You will be prompted to enter a security key or password as well as name your network. In addition, you can authorize certain computers access to the network.

For example, you can specify that only certain computers can connect and then input the “MAC” address of each of your individual home computers.

While setting up encryption and entering MAC addresses sounds technical, it’s not difficult if the software is user friendly. The home networking software that comes with your router usually walks users through all of the steps.

You can mix and match your network. For example, if your main computer has an Ethernet port and you have a WiFi notebook, you can physically connect the PC to the router using a cable and wirelessly connect the notebook.

Home Networking Troubleshooting

Home networking should go smoothly if you install the software, network adapters and routers correctly and connect everything together properly but occasionally things just don’t work out as planned. Basic troubleshooting starts with physically inspecting all connections. If your network adapter has a light to indicate power, is it lit? Is the router turned on? Are the cables connected? Are they connected where they’re supposed to be connected? Did the cable go in firmly and latch in? Is the WiFi switch on your laptop turned to the “on” position?

After you’ve double checked the physical connections, you can go into your home networking software and see if perhaps you missed a step. Some software programs come with a diagnostic or test mode. If so, give it a try. Otherwise, you may need to make some adjustments to your settings.

With wireless encryption, you often must enter a password or encryption code in order to get access the first time you try to connect. Sometimes this step is done through the setup process itself and you must create a floppy disc to use when setting up your other computers.

When setting up computers to connect to the network, especially a WiFi home network, choose the option “Connect automatically when this network is in range.” You can set this option up after the fact in the Network and Sharing Center in Windows Vista.

Other Home Networks

Once you have your WiFi network up and running, you can expand your home network to include your stereo system where you can enjoy commercial free internet radio or listen to subscription-based music services. You’ll need a special wireless receiver that connects to inputs on the back of your stereo. Tune into your favorite internet radio station and listen to music through your home audio system. You can also use your laptop and an inexpensive stereo mini to RCA cable to physically connect though that’s not always as practical.

Other devices allow you to connect your television to the network where you can watch computer based programming on your TV and even browse the internet. These devices typically incorporate your home stereo system as well.

Home networking is a worthwhile effort allowing you to share your files, internet connection, peripheral devices, and more. Setting up the network takes a little work but it’s doable. If you’d rather hire a technician, consider your local computer store or electronics retailer for a package deal including networking equipment and installation. If you’re setting up high speed internet access as part of the deal, you may be able to have your internet provider’s installation service take care of the basics.

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